Sep 26, 2010

Should I inspect the house I am buying for mold?

mold inspection
Mold is commonly found in-doors including homes that are being lived in. Leaking roofs, bad plumbing, or even recent flooding can contribute to mold being found inside a person’s home. Buyers have good reason to be concerned about the possibility of mold in a home they are buying. Because of this concern buyers are encouraged to have a mold inspection preformed on the home prior to closing.


Controlling household mold

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), “If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.” However, if there is a lot of mold or it covers a substantial area, you may need to consult with or hire a remediation contractor to help you with the clean up.

Mold Inspection Addendum

The 2002 Florida Association of Realtors mold inspection addendum allows a, “mold inspection period”, giving the buyer time to hire a professional service to inspect for mold. If there is a significant presence of mold discovered during the inspection and the removal of it exceeds the agreed upon price set between the buyer and seller, the buyer will have the option to cancel the contract.

The purchase contract provides protection for the home buyer and seller. If you are purchasing or selling a home, call me for a free consultation about dealing with mold inspections and more.

Photo credit by seishin17

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